News


FDLE: emergency alerts save lives

 
For Immediate Release
October 6, 2023
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse (MEPIC) uses Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in emergency situations when a child goes missing and is in imminent danger of death or serious injury.
 
In August, a local agency requested FDLE issue a Missing Child Alert for a teenager with autism.  The teen, who is attracted to water, was seen riding his bike.
 
A WEA was issued in a 5-mile radius from where the child was last seen.  Within minutes of the alert being sent to cell phones, the sheriff’s office received several tips from citizens who saw it on their phones.  The child was found safely in under 30 minutes.
 
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said, “There is no doubt that these cell phone alerts save lives.  If you receive a cell phone alert, please take the time to click on the link for more information. If you aren’t receiving these alerts, make sure the alerts are enabled on your device or contact your cell phone provider for more information.”
 
Enable WEA on your cell phone in your device settings. 
 
Sign up to receive all AMBER and Missing Child Alerts at missingchildrenalert.com and follow FDLE on Facebook and X to see alerts.
 
For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001
 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.